Two stage flip cap closure

ABSTRACT

The disclosed aspects relate to a closure that includes a skirt that operatively engages a container. The closure also includes a top operatively attached to the skirt at a hinge, wherein the top is configured for a partial open configuration or a full open configuration. Also provided is a container assembly that includes a container and a closure operatively attached to the container. The closure is configured to be in one of a first position, a second position, or a third position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/014,057 filed on Jun. 18, 2014, the entiretyof which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The following description relates generally to a closure and moreparticularly to a two stage flip cap closure.

BACKGROUND

Dispensing closures and associated containers can be utilized with avast variety of products, which can be in any number of forms (e.g.,liquid, powder, solid, as a pill, and so on). In some cases, a varietyof products are sold in sealed packages and utilize external packagingas a security feature.

Dispensing closures are typically produced by an injection moldingprocess. There is a continuous need for dispensing closures that can beproduced at a low cost and low capital expenditure. Further, there is acontinuous need for dispensing closures that can be produced at fastercycle times, require less mold maintenance, have more designflexibility, and have better performance.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects inorder to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary isnot an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intendedto neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nordelineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is topresent some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

An aspect relates to a closure that can include a skirt that operativelyengages a container. The closure can also include a lid operativelyattached to the skirt at a hinge, wherein the lid is configured for apartial open configuration or a full open configuration. In an example,when in the partially open configuration, the lid is at least partiallyin contact with the skirt. In another example, when in the full openconfiguration, the lid is moved away from the skirt.

Another aspect relates to a container assembly that can include acontainer and a closure operatively attached to the container. Theclosure can be configured to be in one of a first position, a secondposition, or a third position. In an example, the first position is aclosed position. In another example, the second position is a partiallyopen position. In a further example, the third position is a full openposition.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, one or moreaspects comprise features hereinafter fully described and particularlypointed out in the claims. The following description and annexeddrawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of one ormore aspects. These features are indicative, however, of but a few ofvarious ways in which principles of various aspects may be employed.Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description when considered in conjunction with thedrawings and the disclosed aspects are intended to include all suchaspects and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various non-limiting embodiments are further described with reference tothe accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrates example, non-limiting views of an implementationof a container closure according to an aspect;

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrates additional example, non-limiting views of animplementation of a container closure according to an aspect;

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrates additional example, non-limiting views of animplementation of a container closure according to an aspect; and

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrates additional example, non-limiting views of animplementation of a container closure according to an aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects are now described with reference to the drawings,wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elementsthroughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of one or more aspects. It may be evident, however, thatthe disclosed subject matter can be practiced without these specificdetails, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. Inother instances, well-known structures and components may be shown inblock diagram form in order to facilitate describing one or more of theaspects disclosed herein.

A container can hold various products, such as medications, foods,liquids, and so forth. As provided herein a container closure (or cap)can allow for access to the container contents using a full opendispensing capability and a less than full open dispensing capability.The less than full open dispensing capability can allow for more controlof the amount of product that is dispensed. The full open dispensingcapability can be achieved without the need to remove the closure fromthe container to which it is attached.

Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1A-1C illustrates example,non-limiting views of an implementation of a container closure 100according to an embodiment. FIG. 1A depicts the container closure 100 ina closed position, FIG. 1B depicts the container closure 100 in apartially opened position, and FIG. 1C depicts the container closure 100in a fully opened position.

With reference to FIG. 1A, the closure 100 can include a top 102 (orlid) and a skirt 104 (or body portion). As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, theskirt 104 is configured to operatively engage a container 101 at a neck114 of the container 101 located near the mouth or opening 107 of thecontainer 101. For example, the skirt 104 can engage with the neck 114of the container in a threaded manner or in a non-threaded manner. Forexample, the skirt 104 can include internal screw threads (not shown)that can operatively engage with complementary screw threads (not shown)on the neck 114 of the container 101. The skirt 104 can include aninternal ledge portion 118 configured to rest on the upper perimeterregion of the container neck 114 (e.g., an upper rim) at the opening 107of the container when threaded thereon. When in engagement with thecontainer, an opening of the closure 100 established when the top 102 isin the fully open position can correspond to the container opening 107such that container contents 103 can be dispensed through the containeropening 107. According to some aspects, internal threads are notutilized and the dispensing closure is engaged with the containerthrough other means (e.g., snap-on, press-on, and so forth). Forexample, the closure 100 can operatively engage the container 101 bysnapping onto the neck 114 portion of the container (e.g., screw threadsare not utilized). However, other means of engaging the closure and thecontainer can be utilized with the disclosed aspects.

In an aspect, the container 101 and closure 100 can be a two-piecestructure. According to some aspects, the container and the closure areformed as a single piece or single unit. In other aspects, the top 102can be molded separate from the skirt 104 (e.g., in a two-shot injectionmolding process). However, according to other aspects, the closure 100is formed during a single injection molding process.

Further, the closure 100 can engage the container 101 in a removablemanner or in a non-removable manner. When snapped together, the closurecan be utilized to eliminate the use of a liner, according to an aspect.The closure 100 can be installed upright on the top of a container 101that has an opening or mouth that typically lies in a horizontal plane.For purposes of discussion, the vertical direction generally correspondsto an axial direction with reference to the geometry of the dispensingclosure and the horizontal direction or horizontal plane isperpendicular to the axial direction of the dispending closure (e.g.,the vertical direction). It should be understood that during molding,the dispensing closure could have a non-upright orientation.

An exterior portion of the skirt 104 can be smooth. In anotherimplementation, an exterior portion of a skirt can have small verticalgrooves or other textural features that can improve a person's abilityto grip the dispensing closure for removal from the container (e.g., byunscrewing, by pulling the dispensing closure away from the container,and so on).

The top 102 of the closure 100 is pivotally attached to the skirt 104via a hinge (not shown) located at a position of the closure 100indicated by arrow 105. Included in at least a portion of the skirt 104can be thumb tab 106. For example, the thumb tab 106 can be located on aexternal surface of the skirt 104 across (e.g., on an opposite side) ofthe hinge. In an aspect, the thumb tab 106 is a slightly indented areaof the skirt 104. The thumb tab 106 can be configured to allow a user toinsert a finger, thumb, or other object, under an edge or lip of the top106 that hangs over the indented thumb tab 106 to facilitate opening thetop 102. The dimensions of the thumb tab 106 can vary.

The top 102 is movable via the hinge. For example, the top 102 can beconfigured to move between a first position (e.g., closed position)depicted in FIG. 1A, a second position (e.g., a partially open position)depicted in FIG. 1B, and a third position (e.g., a fully open position)depicted in FIG. 1C. For example, the top 102 can be configured toselectively engage the skirt 104 in at least two positions (e.g., theclosed position depicted in FIG. 1A and the partially open positiondepicted in FIG. 1B) and further configured to move away from the skirt104. When the top 102 is in the closed position, the contents 103 of thecontainer are sealed therein via the closure 100. When the top 102 is inthe partially open position and the fully opened position, contents 103of the container 101 to which the closure is attached can be accessed ordispensed.

The hinge can be a “living hinge,” a “pivoting hinge,” or another typeof hinge. A living hinge is a hinge formed with the skirt 104 and thetop 102 a single piece. A pivoting hinge is formed with the skirt 104and the top 102 wherein the skirt 104 and the top 102 are formed asseparate pieces and snapped together at the hinge to combine the twopieces. The hinge lies in a plane perpendicular to the axis of theskirt. The hinge allows for ease of moving the top 102, between thefirst position (FIG. 1A), the second position (FIG. 1B), and the thirdposition (FIG. 1C). According to some aspects, the hinge can beconstructed of a relatively thin wall that is configured to flex withoutbreakage during an expected service life of the closure 100. The hingeallows the top 102 to be moved away from the skirt 104 (e.g., flipped upand flipped down) for dispensing of the contents 103 of the containerand for closing the container (e.g., for storage of the contents of thecontainer).

In an aspect, the top 102 is configured to cover the skirt 104 whenclosed and lift off and away from the skirt 104 via the hinge whenpulled or pushed upwards and away from the skirt 104. For example, thetop 102 can be configured to lift away or snap off of the skirt 104 viapulling or pushing of the top 102 upwards at or near a portion of thetop that hangs over the thumb tab 106. When lifted away from the skirt104, the top 102 remains attached to the skirt 104 via the hinge, asshown in FIGS. 1B and 1C. Once lifted away from the skirt 104, the top102 can rotate relative to the skirt 104 via the hinge. For example, thetop 102 can rotate about 180° relative to the skirt 104.

As shown in FIG. 1 C, when the top 102 is rotated greater than aspecific angle relative to the skirt 104 (e.g., about 45°), thecontainer opening 107 is completely revealed. This allows for fullaccess to the contents 103 of the container 101 and for dispensing largequantities of the contents at time. The flipping or pivot action of thetop 102 into the fully open position can provide access to the containercontents 103 without the need to completely remove the closure 100 fromthe container 101 (e.g., allowing access to the container contents withminimal effort). Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the top 102 is configuredto establish a partial dispensing opening 112 between the top 102 andthe skirt 104 when rotated less than the specific angle relative to theskirt 104. The partial dispensing opening 112 has a dimension smallerthan the container opening 107, allowing for dispensing of a smaller andcontrolled amount of the contents 103 of the container 101 at a time.

In particular, top 102 can include a downward extending portion 110around a perimeter thereof and extending away from a bottom surface(internal portion) of the top 102. The downward extending portion 110can be configured to engage an internal portion of the skirt 104, asdepicted in FIG. 1B. The downward extending portion 110 can be anoverhang that is created based on the top geometry. For example, thedownward extending portion 110 can have a circumference slightly lessthan the circumference of the skirt 104 such that the downward extendingportion 110 can fit within the skirt 104. In an aspect, as the top 102is lifted away from the skirt 104, the downward extending portion 110can remain in contact (e.g., touching) with an internal wall 120 of theskirt until a length of the downward extending portion 110 is raisedabove the top of the skirt 104. The length of the downward extendingportion 110 can vary.

The downward extending portion 110 further includes dispensing opening112 located at a position on the downward extending portion 110 that isadjacent to the thumb tab 106 (e.g., when the top 102 is in a closedposition). The dimensions of the dispensing opening 112 can vary. In anaspect, (as depicted in FIGS. 1B and 1C), the dispensing opening 112 canhave a height that is substantially the length of the downward extendingportion 110 and a width that is substantially the width of the thumb tab106. In other aspects, the dimensions of the dispensing opening can beadapted to the contents of the container 101 to facilitate controlleddispensing of the contents 103 of the container 101. For example, thedimensions of the dispensing opening 112 can match the dimensions of thecontents (e.g., pills, pieces of candy, etc.) of the container 101 suchthat only fixed amount of the contents (e.g., one pill, one piece ofcandy, etc.) can be passed through the dispensing opening 112 at a time.

When the top 102 is in a closed position as shown in FIG. 1A, thecontainer 101 is sealed via the closure 100. When the contents 103 ofthe container 101 are to be dispensed, the closure 100 can be opened toa partially opened position as depicted in FIG. 1B or a fully openposition, as depicted in FIG. 1C. To move the top 102 into the partiallyopen position depicted in FIG. 1B, a user can lift the top 106 bypressing upward on an underside of an edge or lip of the top formedabove the thumb tab 106. In an aspect, the hinge is configured to fixateat first position and a second position. According to this aspect, thetop 102 is configured to move into the partially open configuration inresponse to application of a force to the top 102 and fixation of thehinge at the first position, and the top 102 is configured to move intothe full open configuration in response to application of another forceto the top 102 and fixation of the hinge at the second position. Forexample, movement of the top 102 in an upward direction causes the hingeto stop at the first position. Further movement of the top upward andaway from the skirt 104 can cause the hinge to move through the firstposition to a second position, which is the fully open position depictedin FIG. 1C. When in the fully open position, the top 102 is moved awayfrom the skirt 104 such that the container opening 107 is completelyexposed.

The partially open position of the closure 100 reveals the dispensingopening 112 located on the downward extending portion 110 of the top102. When in the partially opened position, the top 102 is lifted awayfrom the skirt 104 at a fixed angle relative to the skirt 104 such thatthe dispensing opening 112 is exposed. When in the partially openposition, the top 102 is at least partially engaged in the skirt 104.For example, a lower region of the downward extending portion 110 canremains in contact with the internal wall 120 of the skirt 104 such thatthe container is otherwise sealed by the closure (aside from thedispensing opening).

According to some implementations, the top can include a first lockingbead 108 (or ridge) and a second locking bead 116 located on thedownward extending portion 110 above and below the dispensing opening112. The skirt can further include a stopping/mating bead or ridge (notshown) located on the internal wall 120 of the skirt at or near the topperimeter/upper rim of the skirt and adjacent to the thumb tab 106. Inan aspect, the first locking bead 108 can engage with mating bead tofacilitate closure of the top 102. The second locking bead 116 can alsoengage with the mating bead when the top 102 is lifted away from theskirt 104 at the fixed angle to facilitate stoppage and holding of thetop 102 (at least briefly) at the partially open position. In someaspects, the first locking bead 108 and the second locking bead 116 canbe configured to disengage with the mating bead in response to light ormedium pressure applied to the top 102 (e.g., pressing the top upwardand away from the skirt). For example, the top can be configured toremain in the partially open configuration in response to engagement ofthe stopping bead located on the inner wall of the skirt 104 and thesecond locking bead 116 located on the downward extending portion. Thestopping bead located on the inner wall of the skirt 106 and the secondstopping bead 116 located on the downward extending portion can beconfigured to disengage in response to an upward force applied to thelid, and wherein the lid is configured to move into the full openconfiguration in response to application of the upward force to the lidand disengagement of the respective stopping beads.

When the closure 100 is in the full open position shown in FIG. 1A, thetop 102 can be moved fully away from the skirt 104 and container 101,while still being attached at the hinge. The full open position canrepresent a maximum opening size of the container 102 (which cancorrespond to the size of a mouth or the opening 107 of the container).

In some embodiments, the top 102 is configured to stop at variouspartially open positions such that different amounts of the dispensingopening is exposed. For example, in addition to the partially openposition depicted in FIG. 1A wherein the entirety of the dispensingopening 112 is exposed, the top 102 can be configured to stop at one ormore additional positions relative to the upper rim of the skirt 104such that only a portion of the dispensing opening 112 is exposed. Thiscan allows for formation of various sized dispensing openings to provideadditional dispensing control.

Various mechanisms can be employed to control temporarily holding inplace of the top 102 at the different partially opened positions. Forexample, the hinge can be configured to stop at different angles,thereby positioning the dispensing opening at different locationsrelative to the internal wall 120 of the skirt 104. In another example,downward extending portion 110 of the top can include additionalstopping beads configured to engage with a mating bead on the internalwall 120 of the skirt and hold the top 102 at various predeterminedangles relative to the skirt 104 such that different amounts of thedispensing opening are exposed.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate additional example, non-limiting views of animplementation of container closure 100 according to one or moreembodiments described herein. In particular, FIGS. 2A-2C presentvertical cross-sectional views of the internal features of the disclosedcontainer closer 100 in a closed, a partially open, and a fully openposition. FIG. 2A depicts the container closure 100 in the closedposition, FIG. 2B depicts the container closure 100 in the partiallyopened position, and FIG. 2C depicts the container closure 100 in thefully opened position. Repetitive description of like elements employedin respective embodiments of the closures and containers describedherein is omitted for sake of brevity.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the skirt 104 of closure 100 can be engagedwith the neck 114 of container 101 in accordance with various aspectsand implementation disclosed herein. With this configuration, the ledgeportion 118 of the skirt 104 rests upon an upper rim 206 of thecontainer 101, thereby establishing an “H” plane. The internal wall ofthe skirt 104 below the ledge portion 118 includes thread screws 202which are engaged with complementary thread screws 204 included on theexternal portion of the neck 114 of the container 101.

When in a closed position as shown in FIG. 2A, the closure 100 is sealedaround a diameter of the top and an upper portion of the skirt 104. Forexample, an underside of a lip 208 of the top 102 can be configured toengage an upper perimeter of the skirt 104 as depicted within circle210. When in a partially open position as depicted in FIG. 2B, the top208 is angled upwards and away from the skirt such that the dispensingopening 112 is exposed (e.g., at an angle established between a topsurface of the top 102 and the ledge portion 118 being between about 10%to about 40%). In an aspect, when in the partially open position, a bead(e.g., locking bead 116) on the downward extending portion 110 of thetop located below the dispensing opening 112 is engaged with a matingbead (not shown) located on the internal wall 120 of the skirt 104, asshown in the area of circle 212. In this partially open position, asingle piece of the contents 103 of the container is capable of beingdispensed at a time. In the fully opened position depicted in FIG. 2C,the top 102 can pivot approximately 180° relative to its position whenclosed (e.g., approximately 180° relative to the container opening).

According to some aspects, a back portion 214 of the top 102 can beangled or curved (following the arrow) to facilitate closure of the top102 into the skirt 104. Further, a hinge 216 can be located at the backof the closure 100. The hinge 216 can be configured to operativelyattach the top 102 to the skirt 104 in a movable arrangement aspreviously discussed.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate additional example, non-limiting views of animplementation of container closure 100 according to one or moreembodiments described herein. FIG. 3A depicts the container closure 100in a partially opened position, and FIGS. 3B and 3C depict the containerclosure 100 in a fully opened position. Repetitive description of likeelements employed in respective embodiments of the closures andcontainers described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate additional example, non-limiting views of animplementation of another container closure 400 according to one or moreembodiments described herein. Container closure 400 includes same orsimilar features as container closure 100 with the modification of ashape of the top 402 of the closure. In particular, the top 402 ofclosure 400 has a substantially a flat surface while the top 102 ofclosure 100 has a has a beveled edge and a slightly curved or concavesurface (relative to the bottom of the closure 100, as indicated by thedashed arrows shown in FIG. 1A). In addition, the size of the thumb tab406 of container closure 400 is smaller than the thumb tab 106 ofcontainer closure 100. Repetitive description of like elements employedin respective embodiments of the closures and containers describedherein is omitted for sake of brevity.

In accordance with various embodiments, a logo or design can be providedon the top surfaces of closures 100 and 400 (e.g., on the outer surfacesof top 102 and top 402). According to some aspects, the closure 100 canbe generally circular; however, other configurations are possible withthe disclosed aspects. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D, theskirt 104 has a hollow cylindrical shape and the top 102 has a circularshape.

Although the illustrated closures 100 and 400 have a particular size andshape, the disclosed aspects are not limited to these embodiments.Instead, the closure(s) can be any size or shape and the closuresillustrated are for example purposes only. Further, the container(s)101, on which the closure(s) 100 and 400 can be operatively attached,can also be any shape or size, which can be selected as a function ofcontents or product that is to be stored in the container. Examples, ofcontainer contents can include powder, granular items, solid orsemi-solid contents including food items (e.g., ketchup, mustard, babyfood, spices, cookies, cereal, peanuts, grains, and so forth) andnon-food items, such as hardware (e.g., nuts, bolts, nails, fasteners,screws) as well as other items (e.g., rock salt, grass seed, sand, andso on). In another example, the container contents can be liquid orsemi-liquid contents (e.g., water, orange juice, automotive oil, rubbingalcohol, and so forth). Other examples of container contents can includemedicine (e.g., pharmaceutical products) and cosmetics. The containercontents that can be utilized with the disclosed aspects are many and,therefore, will not be further discussed herein.

The closure(s) 100 and 400 and container(s) 101 can be the same color orcan be different colors. For example, the container(s) can be clear andthe closure(s) can be colored (opaque). In another example, both thecontainer(s) and the closure(s) can be clear. In accordance with someaspects, the closure(s) and the container(s) can be made of the samematerial or of a similar material. According to other aspects, theclosure(s) and the container(s) are formed of different materials. In animplementation, the container(s) and/or the closure(s) can be formed ofa polymer material. According to some implementations, the closure(s)and/or the container(s) can be formed of an injection molded suitablethermoplastic material (e.g., polymer, polypropylene) or other materialknown in the art.

The closure(s) 100 and 400 may be illustrated as a unitary (e.g., aone-piece) structure having a first portion (e.g., a body portion)configured to engage the neck of the container(s) and a second portion(e.g., a lid portion) configured to be movable with respect to the firstportion. In accordance with some aspects, the dispensing closure(s) canbe formed as a multiple piece structure, wherein the body portion andthe lid portion are operatively connected at a hinge. As previouslymentioned, although the various aspects are illustrated as a generallycircular dispensing closure(s) and/or container(s), the various aspectsare not limited to this implementation. In accordance with some aspects,the dispensing closure(s) and/or container(s) can have a differentgeometric shape (e.g., oval, oblong, and so on).

As discussed above, the size of the container, the container opening 107or mouth (e.g., portion of the container to which the closure engages),and/or the size (or varying sizes) of the dispensing opening 112 can bea function of the size of the contents to be stored in and dispensedfrom the container 101. If the contents are large or should be dispensedin large quantities, the container, the container mouth, and thedispensing closure can be large. On the other hand, if the contents aresmall and/or should be dispensed in small quantities, the containermouth and dispensing closure can be small.

The subject matter as described above includes various exemplaryaspects. However, it should be appreciated that it is not possible todescribe every conceivable component or methodology for purposes ofdescribing these aspects. One of ordinary skill in the art may recognizethat further combinations or permutations may be possible. Variousmethods or constructs may be employed to implement the subjectinvention, modifications, variations, or equivalents thereof.Accordingly, all such implementations of the aspects described hereinare intended to embrace the scope and spirit of subject claims.

In view of exemplary articles of manufacture shown and described herein,methodologies for manufacturing, assembling, and using the one or moredisclosed aspects may be implemented in accordance with the disclosedsubject matter.

While the foregoing disclosure discusses illustrative aspects and/orembodiments, it should be noted that various changes and modificationscould be made herein without departing from the scope of describedaspects and/or embodiments as defined by the appended claims.Accordingly, described aspects are intended to embrace all suchalterations, modifications, and variations that fall within scope ofappended claims. Furthermore, although elements of described aspectsand/or embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, theplural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitlystated. Additionally, all or a portion of any aspect and/or embodimentmay be utilized with all or a portion of any other aspect and/orembodiment, unless stated otherwise.

To the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detaileddescription or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in amanner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpretedwhen employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, the term“or” as used in either the detailed description or the claims isintended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. Thatis, unless specified otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrase “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, the phrase “X employs A or B” is satisfied by anyof the following instances: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs bothA and B. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from the contextto be directed to a singular form.

Additionally, in the subject description, the word “exemplary” (andvariants thereof) is used to mean serving as an example, instance, orillustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” isnot necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otheraspects or designs. Rather, use of the word “exemplary” is intended topresent concepts in a concrete manner.

What is claimed is:
 1. A closure, comprising: a skirt that operativelyengages a container; and a lid operatively attached to the skirt at ahinge, wherein the lid is configured to pivot relative to the skirt viathe hinge and move into a partially open configuration and a full openconfiguration.
 2. The closure of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises atop side and a lower portion, and when in the partially openconfiguration, the lower portion is at least partially in contact withthe skirt.
 3. The closure of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a topside and a lower portion, and when in the full open configuration, thelid is moved away from the skirt and the lower portion is not in contactwith the skirt.
 4. The closure of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises adownward extending portion configured to fit within the skirt, and whenin the partially open configuration, the lid is partially lifted awayfrom the skirt and a dispensing opening formed within the downwardextending portion is exposed.
 5. The closure of claim 4, wherein theskirt operatively engages the container around an opening of thecontainer, and the dispensing opening has a dimension smaller than adimension of the opening of the container.
 6. The closure of claim 5,wherein when in the full open configuration, the opening of thecontainer is entirely exposed.
 7. The closure of claim 4, wherein whenin the partially open configuration, a portion of the downward extendingportion remains in contact with an inner wall of the skirt.
 8. Theclosure of claim 4, wherein the hinge is configured to fixate at firstposition and a second position, and the lid is configured to move intothe partially open configuration in response to application of a forceto the lid and fixation of the hinge at the first position and the lidis configured to move into the full open configuration in response toapplication of another force to the lid and fixation of the hinge at thesecond position.
 9. The closure of claim 4, wherein the skirt comprisesa first stopping bead on an inner wall of the skirt and the lid isconfigured to remain in the partially open configuration in response toengagement of the first stopping bead with a second stopping beadlocated on the downward extending portion.
 10. The closure of claim 9,wherein the first stopping bead and the second stopping bead areconfigured to disengage in response to an upward force applied to thelid, and the lid is configured to move into the full open configurationin response to application of the upward force to the lid anddisengagement of the first stopping bead with the second stopping bead.11. A container assembly, comprising: a container; a closure operativelyattached to the container and configured to move between a firstposition, a second position, and a third position, wherein the firstposition seals contents of the container within the container, thesecond position allows for dispensing of a first amount of the contentsof the container at a time, and the third position allows for dispensingof a second amount of the contents of the container at a time, thesecond amount being larger than the first amount.
 12. The containerassembly of claim 11, wherein the first position is a closed position,the second position is a partially open position, and the third positionis a full open position.
 13. The container assembly of claim 11, whereinthe closure comprises: a skirt that operatively engages a container; anda lid operatively attached to the skirt at a hinge, wherein the lid isconfigured to pivot relative to the skirt via the hinge and move intothe first position, the second position, or the third position.
 14. Thecontainer assembly of claim 13, wherein the lid comprises a downwardextending portion configured to fit within the skirt, and when in thesecond position, the lid is partially lifted away from the skirt and atleast a portion of a dispensing opening formed within the downwardextending portion is exposed while a portion of the downward extendingportion remains in contact with an inner wall of the skirt.
 15. Thecontainer assembly of claim 14, wherein the skirt operatively engagesthe container around an opening of the container, and the dispensingopening has a dimension smaller than a dimension of the opening of thecontainer.
 16. The container assembly of claim 15, wherein when in thethird position, the opening of the container is entirely exposed. 17.The container assembly of claim 14, wherein the closure is furtherconfigured to move between the first position, the second position, thethird position and a fourth position, the fourth position allows fordispensing of a third amount of the contents of the container at a time,and the fourth amount being larger than the second amount.
 18. Thecontainer assembly of claim 17, wherein when in the third position, thelid is partially lifted away from the skirt and the dispensing openingformed within the downward extending portion is entirely exposed whileanother portion of the downward extending portion remains in contactwith an inner wall of the skirt.
 19. A closure, comprising: a skirt thatoperatively engages a container; and a lid operatively attached to theskirt at a hinge, wherein the lid is configured to pivot relative to theskirt via the hinge and move into a partially open configuration and afull open configuration, wherein the lid comprises: a downward extendingportion configured to fit within the skirt, and when in the partiallyopen configuration, the lid is partially lifted away from the skirt anda dispensing opening formed within the downward extending portion isexposed.
 20. The closure of claim 19, wherein the skirt operativelyengages the container around an opening of the container, the dispensingopening has a dimension smaller than a dimension of the opening of thecontainer, and when in the full open configuration, the opening of thecontainer is entirely exposed.